Top Shoot 'Em Up Games
60+ shoot 'em up games ranked by player tags and tunable re-ranking. Related tags include Action, Bullet Hell, Arcade, Shooter.
Recommended Shoot 'Em Up Games

Ikaruga
Shoot! Dodge! and... Get Hit!? "Ikaruga" is a vertical shoot 'em up that features an unique polarity-switching gameplay. Switch the ship's polarity and "get hit and absorb" enemy bullets! Achieve High Score with the chain bonus!

Platypus II
Fly the famed Platypus fighter through a fantastic landscape of carefully molded clay to protect inhabitants of Mungola from the Collosatropolians! Collect power-ups and bonus stars to give your Platypus the boost you need. Every level of this gorgeous arcade challenge bursts with original fun that's perfect for gamers of all ages.
View all 54 games
- #1 Ikaruga96% matchVery Positive95% of 2,307 reviews2014Developer: TREASUREPlatforms: WindowsMedian: 2.0hMean: 4.6h≥1hr: 65%
Shoot! Dodge! and... Get Hit!? "Ikaruga" is a vertical shoot 'em up that features an unique polarity-switching gameplay. Switch the ship's polarity and "get hit and absorb" enemy bullets! Achieve High Score with the chain bonus!
- #2 Platypus II94% matchMixed60% of 593 reviews2014Developer: IdigiconPublisher: Claymatic GamesPlatforms: WindowsMedian: 3.0hMean: 3.8h≥1hr: 89%
Fly the famed Platypus fighter through a fantastic landscape of carefully molded clay to protect inhabitants of Mungola from the Collosatropolians! Collect power-ups and bonus stars to give your Platypus the boost you need. Every level of this gorgeous arcade challenge bursts with original fun that's perfect for gamers of all ages.
- #3 BALL x PIT92% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 23,880 reviews2025Developer: Kenny Sun and FriendsPublisher: Devolver DigitalPlatforms: Windows, MacMedian: 13.5hMean: 19.9h≥1hr: 92%
BALL x PIT is a brick-breaking, ball-fusing, base-building survival roguelite. Batter hordes of enemies with ricocheting balls and gather the riches of the pit to expand your homestead, generate resources and recruit unique heroes.
- #4 Sine Mora91% matchVery Positive82% of 940 reviews2012Developer: Digital RealityPublisher: HandyGamesPlatforms: WindowsMedian: 48mMean: 2.9h≥1hr: 42%
Sine Mora is a horizontal shoot'em up that provides a unique take on challenge, where time is the ultimate factor.
- #5 Sven Co-op90% matchVery Positive94% of 32,117 reviews2016Developer: Sven Co-op teamPlatforms: Windows, LinuxMedian: 2.2hMean: 24.3h≥1hr: 69%
Sven Co-op is a co-operative game originally based around Valve Software's Half-Life. In this game players must work together against computer controlled enemies and solve puzzles as a team.
- #6 20 Minutes Till Dawn88% matchVery Positive91% of 28,655 reviews2023Developer: flannePublisher: ErabitPlatforms: Windows, MacMedian: 6.0hMean: 11.9h≥1hr: 88%
20 Minutes Till Dawn is a survival roguelite where endless hordes of creatures lurk from the dark. Craft an array of overpowering builds and eradicate waves of Lovecraftian nightmares. Will you be able to survive the night?
- #7 Mushihimesama88% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 1,525 reviews2015Developer: CAVE Interactive CO.,LTD.Publisher: KOMODOPlatforms: WindowsMedian: 3.5hMean: 7.8h≥1hr: 79%
Battle huge "Koju" bugs in CAVE's beautiful fantasy shooter, Mushihimesama. Experience the thrill of bullet hell from the masters of the genre as you evade visually stunning shot patterns with thousands of bullets.
- #8 Star Saviors88% matchVery Positive82% of 1,683 reviews2016Developer: Sharpened Edge StudiosPlatforms: WindowsMedian: 3.4hMean: 4.6h≥1hr: 92%
Saviors brings the best bullet hell experience you can find on Steam. Play through 18 challenging stages in this ultimate test of tactics and reflexes.
- #9 Jets'n'Guns 288% matchVery Positive90% of 1,284 reviews2020Developer: Rake in GrassPlatforms: WindowsMedian: 4.1hMean: 9.2h≥1hr: 72%
Jets'n'Guns 2 is a side-scrolling space shooter with insane levels of action and destruction. Travel the galaxies and unleash an arsenal of the deadliest weapons and devices to save the universe from its inevitable doom.
- #10 DoDonPachi Resurrection87% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 1,051 reviews2016Developer: CAVE Interactive CO.,LTD.Publisher: KOMODOPlatforms: WindowsMedian: 3.5hMean: 13.3h≥1hr: 79%
The legendary bullet-hell shoot-’em-up series has come to Steam! DoDonPachi is ressurected after a Blissful Death with enough modes to satisfy the beginner and the expert player alike. Tonight we dine in bullet hell!
- #11 Beat Hazard87% matchVery Positive95% of 7,422 reviews2010Developer: Cold Beam GamesPlatforms: Windows, Mac, LinuxMedian: 3.9hMean: 8.2h≥1hr: 88%
Experience your music collection like never before with this intense music driven arcade shooter. Each of your songs will have its own unique ebb and flow based on the music.
- #12 Revolution Ace88% matchMostly Positive72% of 1,880 reviews2014Developer: Laser Guided Games, LLCPlatforms: WindowsMedian: 2.6hMean: 3.7h≥1hr: 74%
A deep, tactical shoot'em up. With every takedown, you’ll earn cash and xp to upgrade your ship and unlock new abilities. Online and local co-op. Unique versus mode. Realistic physics and water simulation.
- #13 Jets'n'Guns Gold86% matchVery Positive87% of 1,517 reviews2014Developer: Rake in GrassPlatforms: WindowsMedian: 1.6hMean: 5.5h≥1hr: 67%
Jets'n'Guns is a heavy piece of ground shaking rock blasting action with graphics and special effects that will blow you eyes out! Enjoy yourself in almost-insane action adventure of saving the universe from the deadly threat of more than 270 unique monsters in the campaign of 43 levels.
- #14 Jamestown86% matchVery Positive94% of 2,360 reviews2011Developer: Final Form GamesPlatforms: Windows, MacMedian: 48mMean: 2.5h≥1hr: 44%
Jamestown: Legend Of The Lost Colony is a neo-classical top-down shooter for up to 4 players, set on 17th-century British Colonial Mars. It features all the intensity, depth, and lovingly handcrafted pixels of a classic arcade shooter, with a modern twist: deeply-integrated cooperative gameplay.
- #15 ZeroRanger84% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 2,130 reviews2018Developer: System ErasurePlatforms: WindowsMedian: 4.3hMean: 12.3h≥1hr: 81%
This is the story of a fighter who wanted to become...
- #16 AngerForce: Reloaded84% matchVery Positive91% of 382 reviews2017Developer: Screambox StudioPlatforms: Windows, MacMedian: 3.8hMean: 4.5h≥1hr: 92%
AngerForce: Reloaded is an action-packed vertically scrolling shoot'em up game that pays homage to the classics of 90’s arcades. This high octane experience is set against the backdrop of a 19th century human world that has seen the outbreak of a robot rebellion.
- #17 Nova Drift83% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 14,407 reviews2024Developer: ChimericPublisher: PixeljamPlatforms: Windows, MacMedian: 5.3hMean: 19.6h≥1hr: 75%
Nova Drift distills the mechanical depth and strategy of an ARPG into classic arcade space combat. Control an endlessly evolving bio-mechanical ship, face legions of strange and deadly foes, and ride the wake of a dying star across the void.
- #18 Super Killer Hornet: Resurrection85% matchMixed62% of 811 reviews2014Developer: Flump StudiosPublisher: Funbox Media LtdPlatforms: WindowsMedian: 2.6hMean: 3.7h≥1hr: 95%
'Things will explode, things will die, you will dodge, you will do maths...Yes maths!' Super Killer Hornet Resurrection is an intense vertical shooter with a brain train twist. Through the chaos and explosion try to answer the falling math problems to increase your multiplier and power up your ship.
- #19 TouHou Makuka Sai ~ Fantastic Danmaku Festival Part II83% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 2,597 reviews2019Developer: 东方幕华祭制作组Platforms: WindowsMedian: 4.0hMean: 20.1h≥1hr: 81%
Touhou Makuka Sai ~ Fantastic Danmaku Festival part II is a danmaku shooting game, which is the second part of Touhou Makuka Sai. The repeat of incident is coming again. Can the girls going to the netherworld solve the mystery?
- #20 DARIUSBURST Chronicle Saviours84% matchVery Positive82% of 813 reviews2015Developer: PyramidPublisher: KOMODOPlatforms: WindowsMedian: 4.1hMean: 11.8h≥1hr: 83%
DARIUSBURST Chronicle Saviours is the latest installment in Taito's DARIUS series of arcade-style shooting games. Blast hordes of alien sea-monsters, and blaze your own trail through branching environments.
- #21 Sky Force Anniversary83% matchVery Positive92% of 2,138 reviews2015Developer: Infinite DreamsPlatforms: Windows, Mac, LinuxMedian: 5.7hMean: 8.8h≥1hr: 90%
Legendary shoot-'em-up makes its way on the PCs! Abundant explosions, truly epic boss fights and beautifully crafted 3D environments are here to keep you entertained. Sky Force Anniversary offers single player experience and local cooperative mode for 2 players.
- #22 ETHER VAPOR Remaster83% matchMostly Positive77% of 316 reviews2012Developer: EdelweissPublisher: PLAYISMPlatforms: WindowsMedian: 1.4hMean: 3.0h≥1hr: 69%
Ether Vapor Remaster is a cinematic 3D arcade shooter and visual treat from developer Edelweiss.
- #23 BLUE REVOLVER82% matchOverwhelmingly Positive99% of 858 reviews2016Developer: danboPublisher: Stellar CirclePlatforms: Windows, Mac, LinuxMedian: 3.0hMean: 8.2h≥1hr: 75%
Fight, fly, flourish! BLUE REVOLVER is a manic arcade-style shoot-em-up built for newcomers and psychos alike. Powerful special weapons cut through tough areas, while an adaptive difficulty system tailors the game to your skill level as you evade and counter a maniac environmental force!
- #24 DRAINUS80% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 1,100 reviews2022Developer: Team LadybugPublisher: WSS playgroundPlatforms: WindowsMedian: 2.6hMean: 2.9h≥1hr: 68%
This is a side-scrolling shooting game in which you take control of the "Drainus", the Kharlal Empire's most cutting-edge fighter with the ability to absorb energy bullets, and take down the enemy ships zipping through space.
- #25 Danmaku Unlimited 280% matchVery Positive93% of 481 reviews2014Developer: Doragon EntertainmentPlatforms: WindowsMedian: 42mMean: 10.9h≥1hr: 44%
Classic Japanese style vertical manic shooting action! Shoot, dodge and explode your way through the second entry in the critically acclaimed Danmaku Unlimited series. Battle through nail-biting bullet patterns and compete for dominance on the global leaderboard!
- #26 Furi79% matchVery Positive90% of 13,739 reviews2016Developer: The Game BakersPlatforms: WindowsMedian: 3.4hMean: 6.1h≥1hr: 82%
The jailer is the key, kill him and you’ll be free. Fight your way free in this ultra-responsive, fast-paced sword-fighting and dual-stick shooting game.
- #27 Raiden V: Director's Cut | 雷電 V Director's Cut | 雷電V:導演剪輯版80% matchMixed56% of 527 reviews2017Developer: MOSS Co., Ltd.Publisher: UFO Interactive GamesPlatforms: WindowsMedian: 42mMean: 3.1h≥1hr: 41%
Arcade hit Raiden first left its mark on the shooting genre 25 years ago. The easy to learn, hard to master series comes to the PC in its most modern and advanced form yet! Join the war for Earth's future-where the tide of battle holds constant surprises.
- #28 Touhou Tenkuushou ~ Hidden Star in Four Seasons.78% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 4,521 reviews2017Developer: 上海アリス幻樂団Publisher: Mediascape Co., Ltd.Platforms: WindowsMedian: 2.1hMean: 268.1h≥1hr: 66%
桜を見ながら西瓜を割り、紅葉を見ながら鍋をつつく こんな季節に誰がした! イレギュラーでシーズナルなシューティング幻想!
- #29 Distant Space78% matchVery Positive86% of 2,983 reviews2016Developer: PixelMousePlatforms: WindowsMedian: 3.7hMean: 9.4h≥1hr: 79%
Distant Space are present the arcade game of cosmic fights in arcade style of the 80's, this is a game where you can control the spaceship and forced to destroy extraterrestrials, which are moving in the certain order.
- #30 The Blue Flamingo79% matchMixed45% of 635 reviews2014Developer: Might and DelightPlatforms: WindowsMedian: 2.7hMean: 3.6h≥1hr: 77%
You are ready to challenge pilots from all around the world. Shoot your way through intense levels with swiftly increasing difficulty in a game world completely built with handcrafted models. Invest your score in upgrades or save it to gain interest with the risk of losing it all.
- #31 Soda Crisis77% matchVery Positive93% of 3,188 reviews2022Developer: Team SodaPublisher: bilibiliPlatforms: WindowsMedian: 2.1hMean: 6.4h≥1hr: 64%
Soda Crisis is a fast-paced side-scrolling shooter game. You play a mysterious character of unknown origin, equipped with advanced high-tech gears and fierce combating skills - definitely the chosen one for this rescue mission!
- #32 LUFTRAUSERS77% matchVery Positive91% of 4,487 reviews2014Developer: VlambeerPublisher: Devolver DigitalPlatforms: Windows, Mac, LinuxMedian: 3.0hMean: 14.3h≥1hr: 78%
The skies are aflame and the seas will overflow with wreckage in Vlambeer’s stylish arcade shooter LUFTRAUSERS! Take to the skies in customized fighter planes to battle battleships, submarines, and rival aces for glory, honor, and high scores.
- #33 Dead Estate76% matchVery Positive95% of 6,426 reviews2021Developer: Milkbar LadsPublisher: 2 Left ThumbsPlatforms: WindowsMedian: 3.1hMean: 8.9h≥1hr: 75%
Cornered with nowhere else to turn, can you escape the monster-filled mansion? Dead Estate is a gory, fast-paced, challenging roguelike shooter with a heavy emphasis on horror.
- #34 Shooting Stars!77% matchVery Positive81% of 964 reviews2016Developer: BloodironyPublisher: Daedalic EntertainmentPlatforms: Windows, Mac, LinuxMedian: 3.7hMean: 5.0h≥1hr: 95%
This game is the answer to one of the most important questions in life: “I can haz lazer kitty?“ Yes you can!
- #35 ESCHATOS76% matchVery Positive97% of 298 reviews2015Developer: QutePublisher: KOMODOPlatforms: WindowsMedian: 2.9hMean: 4.2h≥1hr: 71%
An alien menace has descended on Earth! Defend the world from UFO invasion in this superb arcade shooter from Qute. Use your weapons effectively, deflect enemy bullets with your shield, and recapture the Moon from alien infestation!
- #36 Geometry Wars™ 3: Dimensions Evolved76% matchVery Positive90% of 1,577 reviews2014Developer: Lucid GamesPublisher: SierraPlatforms: Windows, Mac, LinuxMedian: 1.1hMean: 7.2h≥1hr: 52%
Experience the full evolution of the award-winning Geometry Wars franchise and battle through waves of enemies on 3D grids in this frenetic arcade shooter!
- #37 Ballpoint Universe - Infinite77% matchMostly Positive77% of 726 reviews2013Developer: Arachnid GamesPlatforms: Windows, Mac, LinuxMedian: 3.1hMean: 8.0h≥1hr: 94%
Ballpoint Universe Infinite is a shoot-em-up adventure game featuring artwork entirely drawn in ballpoint pen. Explore immaculate worlds, discover the secrets of the doodles, and customize your Ink-Ship for battle! Press"Ballpoint Universe Infinite is too exuberant to ignore.
- #38 Deathsmiles76% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 609 reviews2016Developer: CAVE Interactive CO.,LTD.Publisher: KOMODOPlatforms: WindowsMedian: 2.9hMean: 5.2h≥1hr: 77%
Deathsmiles is CAVE's bullet-hell shoot-'em-up where you take the role of one of five Angels to defend the magical land of Gilverado from an invasion by Hell itself! Eradicate this devilish assault!
- #39 Touhou Kouryudou ~ Unconnected Marketeers.75% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 1,795 reviews2021Developer: 上海アリス幻樂団Publisher: Mediascape Co., Ltd.Platforms: WindowsMedian: 2.7hMean: 18.3h≥1hr: 71%
買う、売る、貰う、手放す いつから人間は所有権を自由に扱えると勘違いしたのか レインボーでイマモリアルなシューティング幻想!
- #40 ARCADE GAME SERIES: GALAGA75% matchVery Positive91% of 912 reviews2016Developer: BANDAI NAMCO Studios Inc.Publisher: BANDAI NAMCO EntertainmentPlatforms: WindowsMedian: 12mMean: 2.3h≥1hr: 25%
First appearing in arcades in 1981, the masterpiece GALAGA finally comes to Steam! Move the fighter left and right and destroy the waves of incoming aliens!
- #41 METAL SLUG X75% matchVery Positive88% of 3,836 reviews2014Developer: SNK CORPORATIONPlatforms: WindowsMedian: 3.0hMean: 5.0h≥1hr: 80%
“METAL SLUG X”, one of the most highly praised titles in the series among Metal Slug fans for its refined balance and game volume, heads out to the Steam gaming platform!
- #42 Savant - Ascent74% matchVery Positive92% of 2,796 reviews2013Developer: D-Pad StudioPlatforms: Windows, Mac, LinuxMedian: 4.2hMean: 5.3h≥1hr: 79%
A malicious orb has cast Savant out of his tower and transformed his surroundings into dangerous enemies!Dodge and shoot your way back up the tower, and blast down waves of enemies as you make your way towards the top! As you progress, you unlock CDs that not only give you new tracks to play to, but also grant you powerful new abilities!
- #43 R-Type Final 275% matchMostly Positive75% of 816 reviews2021Developer: Granzella Inc.Publisher: NIS America, Inc.Platforms: WindowsMedian: 3.5hMean: 12.8h≥1hr: 72%
R-Type has returned! The legendary side-scroller is back and better than ever with beautifully rendered 3D graphics, exhilarating shoot-'em-up gameplay, and a multitude of stages, ships, and weapons that will allow you to conduct a symphony of destruction upon your foes.
- #44 Really Big Sky75% matchMostly Positive75% of 1,890 reviews2012Developer: Boss BaddiePublisher: RipstonePlatforms: WindowsMedian: 1.6hMean: 3.0h≥1hr: 85%
A super fast, twin analogue shooter for the modern age!
- #45 METAL SLUG74% matchVery Positive89% of 4,944 reviews2015Developer: DotemuPublisher: SNK CORPORATIONPlatforms: WindowsMedian: 3.1hMean: 6.1h≥1hr: 71%
“METAL SLUG ”, the very first title in SNK’s legendary 2D run & gun action shooting game series where all began, returns to the missions on the Steam gaming platform!
- #46 Bit Blaster XL73% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 6,141 reviews2016Developer: Adamvision StudiosPlatforms: Windows, Mac, LinuxMedian: 3.0hMean: 6.6h≥1hr: 78%
Bit Blaster XL is a fast-paced, retro arcade shoot 'em up (shmup) inspired by the classic quarter-munchers of the ‘80s. Easy to pick up, hard to put down, boost, dodge, shoot, and chase high scores in this addictive, old-school action game!
- #47 Syder Arcade74% matchVery Positive84% of 692 reviews2013Developer: Studio EvilPlatforms: Windows, Mac, LinuxMedian: 3.2hMean: 4.5h≥1hr: 90%
Killing zombies never gets old, but sometimes you just need a break. Get back to some serious old-school gaming with Syder Arcade! Syder Arcade is a love letter to Amiga games of the ‘90s, no coins, no upgrade grinding, just your tenacity and a motherload of alien invaders.
- #48 AWA74% matchVery Positive80% of 115 reviews2016Developer: OMNIDREAM CREATIONSPlatforms: WindowsMedian: 3.0hMean: 3.7h≥1hr: 89%
A fast paced shoot-em-up featuring modern military aircraft. Choose one of the eight fighter aircraft and take the battle to the skies throughout nine action-packed stages each with their own end-level special boss.
- #49 Raptor: Call of the Shadows (1994 Classic Edition)74% matchVery Positive89% of 231 reviews2014Developer: Cygnus StudiosPublisher: Apogee EntertainmentPlatforms: Windows, MacMedian: 12mMean: 1.9h≥1hr: 25%
Become a mercenary of the future and pilot the super-tech Raptor. Embark on interplanetary missions to knock off top competitors of MegaCorp, battle against hordes of relentless enemies and spend the bounty to expand your devastating arsenal, which can be upgraded with 14 hardcore weapons!
- #50 Symphony73% matchVery Positive84% of 1,497 reviews2012Developer: Empty Clip StudiosPlatforms: Windows, Mac, LinuxMedian: 2.7hMean: 4.6h≥1hr: 84%
A mysterious entity is absorbing and corrupting your music before your very eyes. You must battle through your own song collection and fight to reclaim your music!
- #51 Sky Force Reloaded72% matchVery Positive93% of 2,659 reviews2017Developer: Infinite DreamsPlatforms: Windows, Mac, LinuxMedian: 4.9hMean: 14.9h≥1hr: 87%
Sky Force Reloaded is a classic shoot ‘em up experience packed in gorgeous visuals and excellent gameplay. Enjoy flashy explosions, beautiful scenery and massive bosses in single player or local cooperative modes.
- #52 SNKRX71% matchVery Positive94% of 4,324 reviews2021Developer: a327exPlatforms: WindowsMedian: 4.0hMean: 8.5h≥1hr: 78%
SNKRX is an arcade shooter roguelite where you control a snake of heroes that automatically attack nearby enemies. Combine different heroes to unlock class bonuses and create unique builds, and steer your unstoppable party as they ravage through endless waves of enemies.
- #53 Jigoku Kisetsukan: Sense of the Seasons72% matchVery Positive93% of 1,762 reviews2015Developer: EmadPlatforms: WindowsMedian: 36mMean: 10.1h≥1hr: 39%
Jigoku Kisetsukan is a bullet hell shootergame with anime-style drawings and chip music.
- #54 POOSTALL Royale72% matchVery Positive85% of 1,113 reviews2023Developer: RWS C TeamPublisher: Running With ScissorsPlatforms: WindowsMedian: 18mMean: 5.4h≥1hr: 22%
APRIL FOOLS 2023ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ Don't let the title fool you, this isn't a battle royale game. Maybe this isn't even a game at all... well, just download now and figure it out!
